Mission: Back to School

Hood and Lundquist reprise the conceit behind Mission: New Baby (2015) as they bring a secret agent sensibility to the “hunt for intelligence” (aka going to school). In numbered steps, Hood walks readers through the mission, which includes “#3. Meet intelligence officer” (that would be the teacher) and “#10. Report rogue agent” (a rabbit that has escaped its cage). Hood revels in these and numerous other puns throughout. “Watch out!” It’s a sting operation!” shouts one boy, as the spies-in-training “conduct fieldwork” by observing bugs outside (including a very active beehive). During recess, twins are “double agents” and a “high-level meeting” is held atop the playground’s climbing dome, all captured with warm humor in Lundquist’s watercolor-and-pencil illustrations. Ages 3–7. [em]Author’s agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (July) [/em]